[10/05/09 - 12:17 PM]Bravo Announces Pick-Up of "Top Chef," Season SevenOpen calls for chefs interested in competing in the high-stakes culinary competition series will be held in cities across the country starting on October 18.

[via press release from Bravo]

BRAVO ANNOUNCES PICK-UP OF "TOP CHEF," SEASON SEVEN

Network Kicks Off Nationwide Casting Calls

NEW YORK - October 5, 2009 - Today, Bravo announced that the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning "Top Chef," the No. 1 rated food show on cable, will be returning for a seventh season. Open calls for chefs interested in competing in the high-stakes culinary competition series will be held in cities across the country starting on October 18. Earlier today, Bravo announced the newest addition to the network's successful series in the food genre, "Chef Academy," premiering Monday, November 16 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The announcements were made by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bravo Media.

For additional casting information and to download an application, visit www.BravoTV.com/casting. "Top Chef" season seven casting calls are as follows:

Bravo's "Top Chef" offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series - hosted by Padma Lakshmi and presided by head judge Chef Tom Colicchio - features aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef." Each episode holds two challenges for the chefs. The first is a quick-fire test of their basic abilities and the second is a more involved elimination challenge designed to test the versatility and inventiveness of the chefs as they take on unique culinary trials such as working with unusual and exotic foods or catering for a range of demanding clients. The challenges not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required of a Top Chef. The competing chefs live and breathe the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with being a master chef, and each week someone is asked to "pack up their knives" and go home.

Since "Top Chef: Las Vegas" premiered, Bravo has ranked as the No. 1 cable network in the Wednesday 10 to 11 p.m. time period, averaging 3.26 million total viewers and 2.29 million adults 18-49.

This week on "Top Chef: Las Vegas," the chef'testants test their luck when they are asked to pull a slot machine to determine the guidelines for their quickfire challenge. For elimination, they must prepare a special dinner for Macy's Culinary Council members Tyler Florence, Tom Douglas, Nancy Silverton, Govind Armstrong, and Takashi Yagihashi. Established host and Chef Tyler Florence serves as this week's guest judge. "Top Chef: Las Vegas" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

Source: Nielsen Media Research Live + 7 Day through 9/13/09 blended with Live + Same Day through 9/27/09 , #1 food show: 12/29/08-9/27/09, most current, Top Chef premiere program average, food shows on cable, premiere averages, P18-49 AA(000).

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